what is my 45-70?

[Axis II]

http://www.cva.com/CVA-Elite-Stalker-rifle.php

lever action
trap door
modern rifle?

hodgdons website lists these 3 for loads and I need to know what mine classifies under?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I wouldn't use pressures over the levergun data. Modern rifles usually refer to rifles like the Ruger #1 and the like.

Just a note, a 45-70 loaded with a 405gr cast bullet @1700/1800 fps will kill anything in North America. There is no reason to beat up your gun and more so yourself.

 

[Axis II]

I wouldn't use pressures over the levergun data. Modern rifles usually refer to rifles like the Ruger #1 and the like.

Just a note, a 45-70 loaded with a 405gr cast bullet @1700/1800 fps will kill anything in North America. There is no reason to beat up your gun and more so yourself.

Im trying to stick with the 325gr ftx or 300gr HP because I can get them locally. if im in a pinch I don't have to order them or what not.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I wasn't suggesting you use that bullet, I was just making a point there is no reason to up the pressures and increase the recoil.

You were talking about H322, 54.0gr to 57.0gr H322 under a 300gr HP bullet will kill anything in North America too. I would use AA5744 though.

 

[Axis II]

okay, I gotcha.

any reason why using that powder vs h322?

 

[Bullseye]

what is my 45-70?

Use lever action load data and not loaded to the max.
You don't have an antique Springfield trap door here and you don't have a Ruger #1 rifle.
This is a single shot Break-Action Rifle similar to H&R and New England Firearms inexpensive rifles. Not a bad gun but not built for the Ruger #1 loads.
If you look in most handloading manuals there are three sections for the 45-70 which you must have found out already and this is why you are probably asking.
Big powerful cartridge here. Better be careful.

 

[Axis II]

what is my 45-70?

Use lever action load data and not loaded to the max.
You don't have an antique Springfield trap door here and you don't have a Ruger #1 rifle.
This is a single shot Break-Action Rifle similar to H&R and New England Firearms inexpensive rifles. Not a bad gun but not built for the Ruger #1 loads.
If you look in most handloading manuals there are three sections for the 45-70 which you must have found out already and this is why you are probably asking.
Big powerful cartridge here. Better be careful.

it is why im asking. I want to make sure I use the right stuff so that BIG POWERFUL CARTRIDGE doesn't blow my rifle into 500 pieces and hurt me or someone else.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

okay, I gotcha.

any reason why using that powder vs h322?

Traditionally the 45-70 was loaded with fast powders, probably because it's a straight rifle case and because there weren't many powder available. To me the recoil feels less with fast powders and the accuracy with AA5744 is amazing. I used to use IMR4198 which is also fast but AA5744 is more accurate for me. Just a note, back in the day the 45-70 was loaded with Unique or 2400 so you can tell it doesn't need a slow rifle powder.

 

[Wis-Harpo]

Like ArchAngelCD said IMR4198 is a very good powder for the 45-70. That is what I used from 1984 till last week. I tried 3 different loads of IMR3031 under Hornady's 350 grain round nose bullet, and FOR MY RIFLE one of them shoots a lot better than my old IMR4198 load. I will load up about 15 more shells with the same IMR3031 loading and see if it is repeatable.Three more 5 round groups will make me fell better about the grain charge that looks very promising. I know that four 5 round groups will not be proof positive I found my best load, but more groups over time will tell. It is fun trying to prove that just one good group is repeatable. It is fitting that a powder like IMR3031 that has been around since WWI, will give new accuracy to an even older cartridge design.

It is nice to see that the 45-70 is so well liked and reloaded. I felt like I was alone in the wilderness when I had mine semi-custom made in 1984. Fun gun, and has been easy on brass, even with full house loads. They just have to be trimmed more.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

It is nice to see that the 45-70 is so well liked and reloaded. I felt like I was alone in the wilderness when I had mine semi-custom made in 1984. Fun gun, and has been easy on brass, even with full house loads. They just have to be trimmed more.

You are not alone, I have three including an original Trapdoor from 1894.

 

[FROGO207]

I also have a Guide Gun and a Handi Rifle in 45-70. I have even tried Trail Boss and 405 grain cast bullets with OK results. I have used IMR 4198 as well so far but have 3031 on the shelf and may try it in the future.